CROCHET.101

Everyone loves a granny square. You may have seen this time-honored classic multiplied to make an afghan, featured on a retro-chic cardigan or used by itself as a stylish coaster. As one of the oldest and most recognizable forms of crochet, the granny square is a staple in every crocheter's skill set. Use this section to become a master!

how to crochet a basic granny square

1. With the first color, ch 4. Join ch with a sl st forming a ring. For round 1, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) working in the ring, work two more dc for the first 3-dc group as shown, then ch 2 for the first corner ch-2 sp.

2. To complete the round, [work 3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times. (Note: As you crochet around, work the dc groups over the tail of the ring or tail from the previous round. This way you won’t have to weave them in later.) This gives you three more 3-dc groups and three more corner ch-2 sps. Join the rnd with a sl st in the top of the beg ch-3 (the first “dc”). Fasten off.

3. From the RS, join the next color in any corner ch-2 sp with a sl st. (Note: Always alternate what corner you join the color in, so joins are evenly distributed.)

4. For round 2, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 2 dc in same ch-2 sp (this forms the first half of the first corner), ch 1, [work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1] 3 times, at the end work 3 dc in beg ch-2 sp, ch 2 (this forms the second half of the first corner). Join the rnd with a sl st in the top of the beg ch-3. Fasten off. You now have four ch-2 corner sps and four ch-1 sps (one on each side).

5. Join the next color with a sl st in any corner ch-2 sp. For round 3, ch 3, work 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, [work 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1] 3 times, end work 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, work 3 dc in beg ch-2 sp, ch 2. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg ch-3. Fasten off. You still have four ch-2 corner sps, but now you have eight ch-1 sps (two on each side). For every round that follows, you will increase one ch-1 sp on each side.